Faith Zaba walked free from jail Friday after posting $200 bail. The Zimbabwe Independent editor had been locked up since Tuesday on serious charges. Officials accused her of undermining President Emmerson Mnangagwa's authority through her newspaper work. The trouble started over a weekly column she published called "When you become mafia state." The article featured an old photo of Mnangagwa shaking hands with Mozambique's leader Daniel Chapo.
Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu told the court Zaba's writing was packed with lies. He claimed her words were meant to make Zimbabweans angry at their president. The prosecutor argued the article could stir up trouble against the government. Magistrate Chikwekwe disagreed and decided to let Zaba go home. He reminded everyone that bail is a basic right under the constitution.
The judge said keeping Zaba behind bars served no purpose. He noted that tough bail conditions would address the state's concerns about her release. Zaba must hand over her passport to court officials right away. She cannot leave her home address or bother any witnesses in the case. Every Friday she must check in with police at CID Law and Order Harare.
Zaba will return to court July 29 for another hearing. Defense lawyers Chris Mhike and Nontokozo Dube are fighting the charges against her. The case highlights ongoing tensions between Zimbabwe's government and independent media outlets.
Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu told the court Zaba's writing was packed with lies. He claimed her words were meant to make Zimbabweans angry at their president. The prosecutor argued the article could stir up trouble against the government. Magistrate Chikwekwe disagreed and decided to let Zaba go home. He reminded everyone that bail is a basic right under the constitution.
The judge said keeping Zaba behind bars served no purpose. He noted that tough bail conditions would address the state's concerns about her release. Zaba must hand over her passport to court officials right away. She cannot leave her home address or bother any witnesses in the case. Every Friday she must check in with police at CID Law and Order Harare.
Zaba will return to court July 29 for another hearing. Defense lawyers Chris Mhike and Nontokozo Dube are fighting the charges against her. The case highlights ongoing tensions between Zimbabwe's government and independent media outlets.
